Hyundai reveals fuel cell-powered Tucson in L.A.

Set to go on sale in 2014, the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is already available to European buyers as the ix35.

PHOTO: John LeBlanc, Driving

The new 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is being hailed as the first mass-market vehicle of its type

By John LeBlanc

Originally published: November 21, 2013

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LOS ANGELES — While Korea’s Hyundai rolled out updated versions of its compact Elantra family (the big news is a more powerful 2.0-litre, four-cylinder with 173 horsepower and 154 pound-feet of torque, standard on the GT and Coupe, optional in the Sedan) the more interesting premiere was the announcement of a hydrogen-fuel Tucson crossover.

Automakers have been taking random stabs at offering hydrogen-powered cars since the 1960s. Most recently, General Motors had a test fleet of Chevrolet Equinoxes a few years ago, and Honda leased about two dozen FCX Clarity models for $600 U.S. per month starting in 2005. But with 1,000 copies becoming available to California customers through to the end of 2016, the new 2015 Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is being hailed as the first mass-market vehicle of its type.

The charging plug is seen on a Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell Hydrogen-Powered Electric Vehicle during media preview days at the 2013 Los Angeles Auto Show.David McNew, Getty Images

Set to go on sale in 2014, the Hyundai Tucson Fuel Cell is already available to European buyers as the ix35. Built in the same South Korean factory as the gas-engine compact crossover, Hyundai says the Tucson Fuel Cell will be available for lease for $499 a month for 36 months with a $2,999 down payment, including “unlimited free hydrogen refueling” at the 10 public hydrogen refueling stations in the U.S. (nine of which are in California. For true believers in hydrogen fuel cars, at least it’s a start.